William Henry Harper, Sr., 88, passed away February 9, 2024, at his home in Great Bend. He was born August 5, 1935, in Medford, Okla., to James E. & Edna M. (Shepherd) Harper. He married Edna P. Seeney on July 28, 1957, in Newton.
Coming to Great Bend from Newton in 1962, William was an Engineer Tech for the Kansas Department of Transportation, retiring July 1, 1998. He was a devout man of God, and had stood firm in his faith since being saved in 1949 at the First Baptist Church, Newton, and later furthered his commitment at First Bible Baptist Church, Great Bend. He was a member of N.E.R.A. (Navel Enlisted Reservist Association), and Valley Lodge #95 I.O.O.F. William enjoyed needlework, camping, fishing, hunting, and CB radios, model trains and building balsa wood model airplanes. He was a veteran of the United States Navy Reserve as a Hospital Corpsman, First Class, serving for 32 years.
Survivors include, his wife, Edna of the home; two sons, William H. Harper, Jr. and wife Robin of Oak Harbor, Wash., and Bob Harper and wife Pam of McPherson; a daughter, Glenda Taylor and husband George of Mills, Wyo.; a sister, Nyrna Kelley of Hutchinson; seven grandchildren; and twelve great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; a daughter, Lori Schussler; and a grandchild.
Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 14, 2024, with family to receive friends from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, February 15, 2024, at Bryant Funeral Home, with Pastor Ken Gray presiding. Interment will be held at 3:00 p.m., in the Pleasant View Cemetery, Elbing, Kan., with Military Rites conducted by United States Honor Guard. Memorials have been designated to First Bible Baptist Church, in care of Bryant Funeral Home.